June Swallowing Newsletter
Strengthening the Suck-Swallow Reflex Connection at Home
Brought to you by the Star Center Foundation
Bridging Care with Compassion
Why the Suck-Swallow Reflex Matters:
The ability to suck and swallow is one of our earliest reflexes—but it remains crucial across the lifespan, especially for those facing swallowing difficulties (dysphagia). Whether recovering from a stroke, surgery, or illness, reinforcing the suck-swallow pattern can make eating and drinking safer and more enjoyable.
Suck-Swallow Activities to Try at Home:
These activities are gentle, supportive, and can be done daily:
Straw Sipping: Use thin straws with water or light juice. Start with easy sips and work up to longer sequences.
Pudding Spoons: Have patients suck pudding off a spoon, using a light inward "sip" motion to strengthen tongue-palate contact.
Lollipop Press: Gently suck on a lollipop or frozen fruit stick, pressing the tongue to the roof of the mouth, then swallowing.
Water Play with Lip Closure: At the sink, encourage playful sipping, blowing bubbles into water, or using water droppers for precise control.
Suck and Swallow Games: Use melt-away snacks (like yogurt melts or puffs) that encourage tongue elevation, lip closure, and safe swallowing.
Tip: Encourage a calm, upright position and stay present during these moments. Small progress adds up!
Foods That Can Signal Trouble:
Some textures and consistencies can challenge the swallow mechanism and may signal that professional guidance is needed. Keep an eye on:
Bulky Foods: Thick meats (like steak or pork chops) that require heavy chewing
Sticky Starches: White bread, bagels, or pasta that clumps or glues together
Dry Solids: Crackers, rice, or biscuits that don’t break down well
Mixed Consistency Foods: Cereal with milk, fruit cocktail, or soup with chunks
If coughing, throat clearing, fatigue, or “pocketing” food (holding it in the cheeks) happens frequently—it’s time for a clinical swallowing evaluation.
When to Seek Help:
Early signs of swallowing difficulty can often be subtle. Here are some indicators that a swallow study or therapy session may be needed:
Frequent coughing during meals
A sensation of food "sticking" in the throat
Taking over 30 minutes to finish a meal
Sudden weight loss or dehydration
Wet or gurgly voice after eating or drinking
Remember: Swallowing is not just physical—it’s emotional, social, and essential to quality of life. Let’s not wait until it becomes a crisis.
Final Thoughts:
Whether you’re a caregiver, clinician, or patient—know that small efforts matter. Practicing suck-swallow strategies daily can build resilience. And recognizing the foods that challenge your swallow can be the first step toward better safety and comfort.
If you have concerns, reach out. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Warmly, Esther Verbovszky, SLP
Star Center Foundation